The Houston Astros are finalizing a trade that would send oft‑injured right‑hander Lance McCullers Jr., their longest‑tenured pitcher, to the Milwaukee Brewers, according to multiple media reports. The exact return for McCullers, 32, remains unknown. Milwaukee leads the National League Central by five games over the Chicago Cubs; Houston is third in the American League West, three games behind the Texas Rangers. McCullers is waiving his no‑trade clause to complete the deal and is in the final season of a five‑year, $85 million contract. The 2017 All‑Star has a 2‑3 record with a 6.51 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 55⅓ innings this season. He is currently on a minor‑league rehab stint after an IL stint with a rotator‑cuff impingement. After missing 2½ seasons due to flexor‑tendon surgery in 2023 and a setback in 2024, McCullers returned to the Astros’ rotation in 2025, though he had three trips to the injury list that season. He also missed 2019 after Tommy John surgery.

McCullers, a first‑round pick in 2012, has a 53‑40 career record with a 3.85 ERA and 904 strikeouts in 148 starts.